Among the 116 employees of Dale Earnhardt Inc. whose jobs were cut during the team merger with Chip Ganassi Racing several weeks ago is driver Regan Smith, the 2008 NASCAR Rookie of the Year.
Since the season ended in November, just over 400 employees of various NASCAR teams have been let go. Other drivers who have been let go from teams do to the downturn in the economy include Joe Nemechek, who was recently released from Furniture Row Racing.
“By this time of year, if you haven’t figured out what you’re doing, it’s always difficult,” said Smith, 25. “I’m pretty confident I’ll be driving a Cup car for somebody next year, I just don’t know which one.”